Phil Lutton

For all the obscure talk of philosophy and edited training patterns, it fell to Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe to finally add some sense to the muddled discussion around Brisbane Roar's forgettable season.

"They're just lacking [Besart] Berisha, they're lacking someone to finish," Lowe said after his side's 1-1 draw with the Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

"They're just missing the best centre forward in the league. They're doing everything else, aren't they? They're keeping the ball, moving the ball, creating chances. They just need a big, horrible centre forward who munches people and scores goals. It's not hard."

And that's about that. Berisha has gone and so has the focus of the Roar's attack. It was plain to see on Saturday as Brisbane huffed, occasionally puffed but largely fizzled out as they tried to keep their season alive following Mike Mulvey's sacking.

Perth scored in the 20th minute courtesy of a thunderous volley from defender Dino Djulbic. Brisbane failed to return with much fire until late in the second half, when the perpetually optimistic Henrique (86th minute) earned them a point.

New coach Frans Thijssen was on a hiding to nothing, having just four training sessions to come to terms with the squad, but managed to end the day with Brisbane's first draw of the season, which is coupled with one win and five defeats.

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The Dutchman must have barely been over his jet-lag, so can be forgiven for not being on top of all the players' names. Just ask the injured Shane '"Stefanutti". But he saw enough to give him some hope heading towards a date with the Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday.

"It was four days of training," Thijssen said. "I got to know the players and work with them. I had a good feeling before the game and it was disappointing to go 1-0 behind, especially for the guys when the confidence is already low.

"In the first half, we lost too many balls in dangerous areas. In the second half, it was a little better. We looked a stronger team and in the end, I think we deserved the point."

Thijssen has already been told he is seen as a caretaker only, tasked with trying to steady the ship as it sails, ever so slowly, towards Asia. Every match will need to be treated as a chance to learn and there will be food for thought.

Mensur Kurtisi, Berisha's replacement, has had little time and shown about as much promise. But he added something late for Brisbane against a towering Glory back line and could find himself up the pecking order in coming weeks.

Corey Brown showed some signs as Stefanutto's replacement, while Brandon Borello continued to produce glimpses of goodness in time for a new coach's arrival. But the Roar have a long way to go if they are to make the finals, let alone be a force.

"It will take some time, you can't just change a team," Thijssen said.

Perth's Youssouf Hersi was the main concern coming out of the match, after injuring a hamstring.